Decent Leads for the Great Recession - Pilots
#21
Climbto350 has worked for me. I will also ad I have had a lot of luck just by calling chief pilots. They don't always want to talk to you but some don't mind it. They know how it is out there and pilots like to help pilots. I talked to one chief for almost 2 hours and he pointed me to my first job after CFI. I do peruse charter company sites but often see that they are hiring on a jobs board but their web site says nothing of it. So don't use that as a single source. If you currently have a job just want a better one I talk to lots of guys out on the ramp. Some are too busy to chat but others like to share info on their company. Be realistic about who you approach though. I only exclude unemployed pilots here because it helps to have a uniform and a plane on the ramp of your own. You guys under 1k hours have it the hardest. All I can say there is be willing to relocate because CFI jobs are out there.
#22
One more thing, if you are sending out resume's to companies that don't know you then be prepared to sit in a large stack. Find out who the chief is and try to email them or the DO directly. You still won't be alone so give them a reason to read your email. Be creative. It works!
#23
Problem has been that you need an airplane to actually fly in to airports to look for a job. If you are driving in - can't even get into the airport to talk to anyone as all the gates are locked, FBO - forget talking to some desk clerk and leaving a resume. Fly a plane in - or network - every job on a job board seems to have thousands of applicants - qualified or not - the chances of actually having someone look at your application - next to zero - good luck -
As for hangers, I used to go to each one and pass out resumes, but now-a-days, wandering around them is frowned upon. Get as many company names as you can from the hanger doors, look up the addresses, and write time.
How could this benefit a low time pilot i.e less than 500 or 1000 hrs. With no one hiring, no one is moving on. There is a giant supply of pilots with tons of experience and they are just back logging all of us less experienced guys. Of course they are more competitive than us low timers which leaves us in the dirt.
There are always people hiring, but they may be few and far between. It just means you need to beat the bushes more.
And there have always been a giant supply of pilots with tons of experience. It is up to YOU to get ahead. There are thousands of great High School quarterbacks, and hundreds of great College QBs, but only 32 NFL starting QBs. The difference is the hard work and dedication.
Or just give up, because if you do, there will be one more job for me.
#24
New Hire
Joined APC: Sep 2009
Position: First Officer B757/B767
Posts: 5
How could this benefit a low time pilot i.e less than 500 or 1000 hrs. With no one hiring, no one is moving on. There is a giant supply of pilots with tons of experience and they are just back logging all of us less experienced guys. Of course they are more competitive than us low timers which leaves us in the dirt.
#25
Banned
Joined APC: Jun 2009
Posts: 93
Is anyone from California ex military fl??
Was going to ask a question whether anyone is in military at current. Or whether anyone is from California military base former flier?? I was wondering today about one person I met while being 17 and I said I am 19, and then we stopped communicating after my mum got involved the intentions of his were unclear but then I said I like him just the problems started further on... And the last time I spoke with a person was from the embassy, to ask whats up? Around 10 years ago. And then I went for the commercial pilot training due to the ambition only. And a situation was pretty sticky, but while flying with my oldest Capt brother this summer, I thought it would be nice for a guy to be at a cockpit. I said to the airlines that probably he is trying to look for a job anyway, and I want him to return to flying, since I do not know of his pretty fast living of the military . And they asked if I shall feel better I said oh yes I will of course. No one was making any sticky comments like what is 17 yrs old doing 3 days out with a military flier. Nothing, basically we talked about some affection of this age. He was from California military base that was 14 yrs ago, his first name was Gib I need to check in a letters. Thought about him, without any bad feelings. I will be back to the site in two weeks. He flew a little bit of F 16 and transport. I dont remember any details, Thanks Melu
#26
Problem has been that you need an airplane to actually fly in to airports to look for a job. If you are driving in - can't even get into the airport to talk to anyone as all the gates are locked, FBO - forget talking to some desk clerk and leaving a resume. Fly a plane in - or network - every job on a job board seems to have thousands of applicants - qualified or not - the chances of actually having someone look at your application - next to zero - good luck -
#27
Line Holder
Joined APC: May 2007
Posts: 77
#28
On Reserve Forever
Joined APC: Sep 2009
Position: Would you like fries with that gear, sir?
Posts: 270
TT not a problem
I don't stop looking at job postings, forums, or even company websites because...what am I supposed to do for 6 hours a day at work not instructing.(im expected to be there) I have over 1200TT, 50 night, 70 instrument, half way on the X-C, but no multi. Never got it and have been busy for 2 1/2 years instructing. I love instructing and there is nothing better than seeing your students solo for the first time or helping students that are not mine with their questions, but it gets old not making progress toward a goal.
What is a guy like me supposed to do? (first multi), but some of those suggestions don't really work for me too well. I can't fly to airports and I can't hangout at the FBO. If I was flying 91 for someone, I would have more opportunities, b/c you stop in at the Signatures and see pilots. This is true with a lot of instructors I know. We have obligations to our jobs and are expected to work.
Talk to ppl on ALPC and quiz them about the companies you are interested in. Call the person at the front desk and ask for contact info for someone who could help you out. Insurance companies rule the mins, but some don't have much that they require. The classes might have passed by, but keep in touch with them. But...some people just aren't hiring. It will pick up...I hope. I try to be optimistic with these situations and also realistic. I don't think I would get in with flying a G550 with a fresh multi ticket, but I've been told I should apply. Thats a joke.
What is a guy like me supposed to do? (first multi), but some of those suggestions don't really work for me too well. I can't fly to airports and I can't hangout at the FBO. If I was flying 91 for someone, I would have more opportunities, b/c you stop in at the Signatures and see pilots. This is true with a lot of instructors I know. We have obligations to our jobs and are expected to work.
Talk to ppl on ALPC and quiz them about the companies you are interested in. Call the person at the front desk and ask for contact info for someone who could help you out. Insurance companies rule the mins, but some don't have much that they require. The classes might have passed by, but keep in touch with them. But...some people just aren't hiring. It will pick up...I hope. I try to be optimistic with these situations and also realistic. I don't think I would get in with flying a G550 with a fresh multi ticket, but I've been told I should apply. Thats a joke.
#29
Here's a possible opportunity for someone.
Dear Captains,
If you have experience on Boeing aircraft, here is an opportunity of a lifetime!
Air China Cargo is offering Boeing Captains the opportunity to upgrade to the B747-400 aircraft.
Air China Cargo will pay for your type rating and pay you at the same time.
A five year contract gives you job security as well as the opportunity to make up to US$250,000 per year.
For details on the job requirements and how to apply, reply to this email for a quick response: [email protected]
VOR Holdings is 100% focused on China. We have Chinese support personnel to help you with your routine or non-routine needs throughout your assignment in China.
For additional information, visit Pilot Jobs in China - VOR Holdings - For a Safe Landing in China or contact us at [email protected]
If you are not interested in receiving these opportunities, please click here to remove your email address from our mailing list.
Dear Captains,
If you have experience on Boeing aircraft, here is an opportunity of a lifetime!
Air China Cargo is offering Boeing Captains the opportunity to upgrade to the B747-400 aircraft.
Air China Cargo will pay for your type rating and pay you at the same time.
A five year contract gives you job security as well as the opportunity to make up to US$250,000 per year.
For details on the job requirements and how to apply, reply to this email for a quick response: [email protected]
VOR Holdings is 100% focused on China. We have Chinese support personnel to help you with your routine or non-routine needs throughout your assignment in China.
For additional information, visit Pilot Jobs in China - VOR Holdings - For a Safe Landing in China or contact us at [email protected]
If you are not interested in receiving these opportunities, please click here to remove your email address from our mailing list.
#30
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,233
I think overseas hiring is really going to take off by next summer-fall or so.
Age 60+ guys are staying put here in the US, guys currently working out there are getting older and there is very little supply. Also nearly every contract pilot is working with other companies who offer better packages and are not shy to break contracts and pay the bonds in order to get pilots.
A friend of mine was just promoted withing the Emirates hiring team and the picture there is very alarming. He said - "we can triple the compensation and still be profitable, but we don't want to do it of course".
If commuting across the world or living in a bunker in the desert is something you can take - don't be shy to negotiate good contracts and restore the profession.
Age 60+ guys are staying put here in the US, guys currently working out there are getting older and there is very little supply. Also nearly every contract pilot is working with other companies who offer better packages and are not shy to break contracts and pay the bonds in order to get pilots.
A friend of mine was just promoted withing the Emirates hiring team and the picture there is very alarming. He said - "we can triple the compensation and still be profitable, but we don't want to do it of course".
If commuting across the world or living in a bunker in the desert is something you can take - don't be shy to negotiate good contracts and restore the profession.
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08-22-2008 02:23 PM